First Christian Church of Mandarin plans to make the sale a regular community event

The Rev. Jeff Smith (left), pastor of First Christian Church, chatted with customers who came to the congregation's first community market. Smith said the church is holding the markets to "help the community deal with the tough economy." The next Tailgate Market will be Saturday, July 11.

Photos by RHONDA REESE/For Mandarin SunEula Mae Teaston (left) and Cathy Coleman (right) look over items Jo King had for sale at the community Tailgate Market held June 6 at First Christian Church in Mandarin. The ladies were thrilled to find bargains while on their way to Orlando.

Eula Mae Teaston and Cathy Coleman were on their way to a hairstyle show in Orlando when they saw it. Jackie Smith was out doing some morning errands when she spotted the commotion. Stewart Paxton of the Westside was visiting friends in town when the flurry of activity caught his attention.

The four were just some of the shoppers who participated in what looks to be a lucrative experiment in Mandarin.

First Christian Church at 11924 San Jose Blvd. held its first Tailgate Market earlier this month in the parking lot of the church. For $10, which was donated to the Mandarin Food Bank, vendors could set up tables and sell crafts, baked goods and garage sale-type items.

The Rev. Jeff Smith, pastor of the Mandarin congregation, said the next market is from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, July 11.

"We're doing this to try and help the community deal with the tough economy," said Smith, who was parked in an umbrella-shaded lawn chair while selling used books and CDs. "We hope this will catch on because we believe it can be a real benefit to many people."

Patricia Grossling, whose grandchild attends the church's weekday preschool, agreed. She and her daughter had an array of neatly laundered, gently used, preschool attire available. Young parents were snapping up the high-quality clothing, which was selling at a fraction of its original cost.

"I think this is an absolutely wonderful idea," Grossling said. "Not only have we sold stuff, we've gotten great deals on some items we can use."

Jo and Bob King had a similar experience.

"We've done extremely well today," Jo said of the tables she and her husband had loaded with goodies. The Kings are selling their home so they can travel the country in an RV full time.

"It's so nice to see our things get purchased by people who can make good use of them," Jo added.

The Kings sold a variety of valuables, everything from jewelry and household items to outdoor furniture, cameras and camping supplies.

Stewart Paxton was delighted to pluck a copy of "The White House Chef's Cookbook" by Rene Verdon from the Kings' stockpile of books.

"I can't believe no one bought this already. It's a first-edition copy," Paxton said while cradling his newfound treasure.

An amateur chef, Paxton said he's long followed the food habits of presidents.

"The Kennedys brought Verdon to the White House," he told the Kings. "Every president has had a few weird food favorites. Did you know Nixon loved cottage cheese with ketchup?"

The Kings didn't know. They didn't even know the book was valuable, but Jo was thrilled Paxton purchased it.

"That cookbook was a gift to me years ago," she said. "I'm so glad someone who will appreciate and enjoy it was able to make the purchase."

Melissa Carter and her two children Skylar and Colton Carter and their friend Austin Theis were glad for a chance to sell some of their no-longer-needed items. While Theis showcased video games, a microscope and dissecting kit, and Razor scooters, Colton was cashing in on used books. Skylar sold toys and games she'd outgrown.

"We've looked around at stuff for sale, too," Colton said. "We definitely want to come back again and do this."

Smith said he hopes future Tailgate Market vendors will include a fresh produce stand and a table where fresh baked items can be purchased. He also said people wanting to donate items for sale would be accepted, with proceeds for them going to the food bank.

"I'd like to see this make a real difference," Smith said.

For more information on being a part of this monthly event, call 262-1662.